Federal Labor MP Ed Husic has voiced his strong disapproval after the party prevented a debate on a motion that called for stronger criticism of Israel's actions in Palestine and acknowledged what it described as a 'genocide' in the Gaza Strip. The motion, which sought to be debated at Labor's national conference in Adelaide on Saturday, was not seconded, effectively blocking it from proceeding due to factional leadership pressure.
'It's a big disappointment because we haven't had a chance to talk to an issue that means a lot not just to people inside that convention centre, but to party members who are outside,' Husic told reporters. He added that he was surprised by the "extraordinary amount of energy" expended to prevent the discussion. When questioned about potential repercussions from party figures, Husic stated, 'They can put me in the freezer, I don't give a s***.'
Despite the setback, Husic affirmed his commitment to remaining within the party, suggesting that change sometimes requires difficult conversations. He believes that being unable to debate the draft policy position is unhealthy for the party.
Two Labor MPs, Josh Burns and Basem Abdo, are scheduled to address the conference and endorse the party's existing platform. The current draft policy calls for Israel to comply with its obligations as an occupying power, opposes the annexation of Palestinian territory, and urges an end to illegal settlement activity. It also calls on the government to prevent support for illegal settlement activity or extremist settler violence and to implement sanctions if necessary.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has not yet commented on Husic's remarks, stated that during the conference, Labor was choosing "unity rather than division, progress rather than protesting and outcomes rather than outrage." Protesters also gathered outside the convention center on Saturday, expressing anger over the government’s stance on foreign policy concerning Israel and the U.S.
Another debate on the AUKUS submarine program also failed to reach the conference floor. The conference proceedings have been partly overshadowed by discussions surrounding the threat posed by Pauline Hanson and One Nation, with Wayne Swan, former federal treasurer and party president, referencing the challenges posed by authoritarians and drawing parallels to past political battles in Queensland.